Inside the China Room with Jiang Jiang

This episode of Inside the China Room with Jiang Jiang, I’m joined by Professor Michael Jinghan Zeng from the Department of Public and International Affairs at City University of Hong Kong explore the controversies — and realities — surrounding Confucius Institutes and China–UK relations. Before relocating to Hong Kong, Professor Zeng spent 13 years in the UK, where he built his academic career. At 31, he was appointed Professor of China and International Studies at Lancaster University, becoming one of the youngest full professors in Britain. Simultaneously, he served as Director of Lancaster University Confucius Institute. Under his leadership, the Institute grew into an award-winning institution while successfully navigating unprecedented challenges — from the global pandemic and the abrupt dissolution of the Confucius Institute Headquarters to a political campaign by the UK’s then-ruling government to shut down Confucius Institutes. These experiences are chronicled in his three-volume memoir, Memoirs of a Confucius Institute Director, with the first volume released in August 2025. Before embarking on his academic career, he worked at the United Nations’ Department of Economic and Social Affairs in New York City. Highlights: 03:41 - What does a Confucius Institute director actually do — and why Zeng took on the role at a politically sensitive moment 13:34 - The biggest misconceptions about Confucius Institutes in British society 17:34 - Cultural engagement vs. propaganda: where the line really lies 19:19 - Confucius Institutes and the British Council: similar missions, different politics 22:43 - Inside the “Confucius Institute of the Year” award 25:13 - Leading a Confucius Institute through crisis: pandemic, politics, and pressure 33:10 - How Zeng reads the current China–UK reset — and why Starmer’s China visit matters 42:22 - What’s next: a preview of Volume Two of Memoirs of a Confucius Institute Director Recommendations: Jinghan Zeng: Black Myth: Wukong (a video game inspired by the ancient Chinese tale “Journey to the West”) JJ: Memoirs of a Confucius Institute Director, Volume 1: Challenges, Controversies, and Realities (available on Amazon), by Jinghan Zeng Enjoyed the episode? Follow Inside the China Room on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube. Share & rate us to help more listeners discover expert perspectives from inside China. This episode was recorded on Jan. 29. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.gingerriver.com

This week on Inside the China Room with Jiang Jiang, I’m joined by Professor Yueping Song from the School of Population and Health at Renmin University of China to explore the current landscape of gender equality in China. In 1995, Beijing hosted the Fourth World Conference on Women, where the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action became a global milestone for advancing women’s rights. Thirty years on, as China prepares to host the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women this October, how far has the country come in promoting gender equality and women’s well-rounded development? In this episode, Professor Song shares her insights on: * how women’s growing participation in higher education in China has impacted women’s career paths and social mobility, * the persistent challenge of balancing career pursuit and family responsibility, * evolving attitudes toward marriage, social roles, and self-fulfillment, * policy efforts to support working women and build a family-friendly society, * and the role of social media in shaping gender discourse. We also touch on how China’s approach compares with some Western and East Asian countries, and what priorities lie ahead in the face of demographic shifts like population aging and declining birthrates. Highlights 04:02 - Current legal, educational, workplace, and healthcare landscape for women in China 09:47 - The rise in female higher education enrollment and its role in facilitating social mobility in China 16:28 - Policies supporting family-friendly environments and women’s careers 24:34 - Paternal leave in China: status quo and future outlook 27:33 - Shifting views on personal fulfillment and social roles among Chinese women, with social media as a key factor 34:12 - Song’s take on the differences between Chinese and Western feminism 39:04 - Progress and remaining challenges compared to other Eastern Asian countries 45:01 - Key priorities for advancing women’s development in China over the next decade 50:41 - Song’s recommendation on a TV series exploring the modern Chinese woman’s life Recommendation Yueping Song: Ode to Joy (TV series) Like the episode? Follow Inside the China Room on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube. New episodes drop every two weeks. Share & rate us to help more listeners discover expert perspectives from inside China. Also available on 小宇宙 Xiaoyuzhou FM for listeners in China. This episode is edited by Yifei Shi. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.gingerriver.com

Welcome to the Reading Room section of Inside the China Room podcast. I’m your host, Jiang Jiang. This is a new segment I’ve added to the show, where I read aloud some of the most popular stories I’ve published on Substack. Ideally, this section will alternate with my guest interview episodes here on the podcast. Today, I want to share with you one of my favorite stories of the year so far. Out of the roughly 300 newsletters I’ve published to date, this one has received the most likes. It tells the story of a Japanese student studying in China who spent 21 days hitchhiking from Nanjing—the capital of Jiangsu Province in eastern China, and also my hometown—all the way to Xinjiang, more than 3,000 kilometers away. Along the journey, he was picked up by 16 different drivers. The student’s name is Tanikawa Hibiki. At the start of his journey, he set up what he called a “social experiment”: he would ask passing drivers if they were willing to give him a ride. If they said yes, he would then tell them he was Japanese—and observe whether they would still agree to take him. As he put it, the results of this “experiment” aren’t polling data or an official survey, but a reflection of the real, everyday human reactions he encountered across China. After completing his journey earlier this year, his story was published on the WeChat blog of Bindian Weekly, run by China Youth Daily, and he was also interviewed by The Paper. What I love about this story is its authenticity. Although the number of drivers he encountered is a small sample size, and the randomness of the road plays a big role, it still reveals a side of China that even I, as a native, may not always be fully aware of. Besides, I’ve always felt that compared to cities like Beijing and Shanghai, China’s grassroots society remains far more unfamiliar—and complex—for overseas readers. In fact, even for someone like me, who lives and works mainly in urban areas, these stories are endlessly fascinating. I often find myself learning a great deal from them—not because they offer a clear-cut picture of something “positive” or “negative,” but because they convey a certain raw, textured sense of reality. The complexity of grassroots China is also one of its most compelling qualities. As Tanikawa himself put it: “What I experienced wasn't just a hitchhiking trip, but a journey through the very fabric of a nation.” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.gingerriver.com

This week on Inside the China Room with Jiang Jiang, I’m joined by Rui Ma — founder of Tech Buzz China and longtime tech analyst— to unpack what’s really happening inside China’s fast-moving AI ecosystem. Rui just wrapped up a packed trip to China in late July, leading a delegation of AI founders and investors from Silicon Valley, Europe, and India. They visited the 2025 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai, held private meetings with leading VCs, and met with a wide spectrum of companies — from tech giants like Baidu, Alibaba, and Tencent (BAT), to unicorns and startups less than a year old. Since China's “DeepSeek moment” earlier this year, global curiosity about its AI scene has only grown. In this episode, Rui shares what she saw on the ground: how China is approaching embodied intelligence, what international investors found surprising, where China’s AI strengths and weaknesses lie, and why the “energy problem” in China's AI sector may already be solved. We also discuss Rui’s upcoming deep tech trip to China this September, her thoughts on China’s AI talent pool, fundraising environment, education system, and which cities are emerging as the next big AI hubs in China. Highlights 06:21 - Robotics, embodied intelligence, and cost-effectiveness 11:56 - Energy is considered a solved problem in China's AI sector 13:35 - Comparing the U.S. and Chinese AI ecosystems 14:55 - Labor models in China’s AI firms 18:25 – Fundraising situation for AI industry in China 20:46 – AI education in China 24:34 – Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou ... competition for AI hub heating in China 27:51 – The real headache for Chinese AI companies 30:35 – Rui’s next China trip: four cities, deeper tech 35:08 – Who’s more likely to lead the AI future: China or Silicon Valley? Recommendation: Rui: The Ministry for the Future, by Kim Stanley Robinson JJ: “硅谷AI妈妈” account running by Rui on Xiaohongshu Like the episode? Follow Inside the China Room on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube. New episodes drop every two weeks. Share & rate us to help more listeners discover expert perspectives from inside China. Also available on 小宇宙 Xiaoyuzhou FM for listeners in China. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.gingerriver.com

This week on Inside the China Room with Jiang Jiang, I’m joined by Jianlin Zhong — a Shanghai-based investor and lifelong AAA gamer — to unpack the rise of Chinese AAA games and how titles like Black Myth: Wukong and WuChang: Fallen Feathers are reshaping global perceptions of China’s game industry. Set in a dark fantasy world at the end of the Ming Dynasty, WuChang: Fallen Feathers is China’s latest Souls-like title. It topped Steam’s China preorder chart earlier this year and officially launched worldwide on July 24. But beyond gameplay, it’s part of a growing wave of single-player Chinese blockbusters aiming for global reach — a trend that began with the buzz around Black Myth: Wukong. In this episode, Jianlin and I share our first impressions of Wuchang, explore its cultural depth, and discuss how Chinese studios are making their mark — not just at home, but globally. We also dive into the business side: how Jianlin evaluates studios and what the future might hold for China's AAA game scene. Games we touch on Doom · Dark Souls: Remastered · Cyberpunk 2077 · Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice · Elden Ring · Phantom Blade Zero · God of War · Death Stranding · It Takes Two · Outer Wilds · Kingdom Rush Highlights 04:35 - Why China’s recent AAA surge matters to gamers like Jianlin 06:02 - First impressions of the new release Wuchang: Fallen Feathers 11:59 - Black Myth: Wukong — trailblazer for Chinese AAA titles 16:18 - Have Chinese AAA games caught up with classics like Sekiro and Elden Ring? 21:12 - How Chinese-themed AAA games engage players and even boost local tourism 26:13 - Jianlin’s philosophy for investing in game studios 31:40 - The next frontier for Chinese AAA titles going global 36:44 - Recommendations About Jianlin Zhong Jianlin has been in the banking and investment industry for over 10 years. He began his career at J.P. Morgan as an investment banking analyst, then moved to a major APAC-focused private equity firm. In 2024, he founded his own investment management business, making large stake private investment, including buyouts, in fast growing niche industry leaders. He focuses on new materials, data, and software segments that align with his investment thesis. Recommendations Jianlin: Outer Wilds, a 2019 action-adventure game developed by Mobius Digital and published by Annapurna Interactive. JJ: Kingdom Rush, a 2011 tower defense game developed by Ironhide Game Studio and published by Armor Games. Like the episode? Follow Inside the China Room on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube. New episodes drop every two weeks. Share & rate us to help more listeners discover expert perspectives from inside China. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.gingerriver.com

This week on Inside the China Room with Jiang Jiang, I’m joined by Chen Jun—better known as CJ—FIFA’s Football Development Manager for East Asia, to discuss a grassroots phenomenon that’s been capturing hearts across China this summer: the Su Super League. The 2025 Jiangsu Football City League, dubbed with "Su Super League," -- made up of 13 city teams competing in the east China's Jiangsu province -- has become the most igniting sporting phenomenon in the country this summer. With no big name players and coaches, the amateur soccer league has captured the nation's imagination largely through the fierce passion from local participants and fans. The Su Super League - like its Guizhou cousin, the Village Super League - are catching fire at a time when the national team continues to struggle. Just a month ago, China’s hopes for the 2026 FIFA World Cup came to an end after a 1-0 loss to Indonesia. It’s now been 25 years since the country last qualified for the tournament — back in 2002. In this episode, CJ and I discussed what these grassroots leagues can tell us about the future of Chinese sports. We explored the differences on football culture in China and Europe, the challenges and opportunities China face in developing major team sports and the sustainability of amateur soccer leagues in China. Before joining FIFA six years ago, CJ worked at the Chinese Football Association as an international relations officer — where we were colleagues. He’s also worked with the East Asian Football Federation and Manchester City Football Club. Highlights: 03:58 - CJ’s journey: from Manchester City FC to the Chinese Football Association, and now FIFA 09:16 - Why an amateur football league captured headlines in China this summer？ 13:44 - Football culture face-off: China vs. Europe 16:18 - The key to making football popular in China 21:12 - How FIFA supports football growth in China and East Asia 24:53 - Could the "Su Super League" rival China’s professional leagues? 32:06 - Team vs. individual sports: China's preference and future direction 34:15 - Prospects and challenges for amateur football leagues in China 38:28 - CJ’s recommended read: Mastery by Robert Greene Recommendation: CJ: Mastery, by Robert Greene JJ: The Day of the Jackal (TV series) You can also listen to Inside the China Room with Jiang Jiang on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube. This episode is edited by Yifei Shi. Note: All views expressed in this episode are solely those of the speakers and do not represent the views of any organizations they are currently affiliated with or have been affiliated with in the past. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.gingerriver.com

This week on Inside the China Room with Jiang Jiang, I'm joined by Daniel A. Bell, vice president of the International Confucian Association and chair of Political Theory with the Faculty of Law at the University of Hong Kong. On July 9 and 10, the 11th Nishan Forum on World Civilizations will be held in Qufu city in east China's Shandong Province. Qufu is renowned as the birthplace of Confucius and the historical heartland of Confucian culture. This year's forum explores the relationship among diverse civilizations and global modernization. Daniel will deliver a speech during the forum. In this episode, Daniel and I explored the unique characteristics of Shandong that reflect the deep influence of Confucianism. We discussed how Confucian values continue to shape contemporary Chinese politics and society -- from expectations around the moral integrity of government officials to the emphasis on family values. We also delved into how different civilizations engage with one another, and how Confucianism influences the broader process of modernization. Daniel also shared with me his expectations for this year's Nishan Forum on World Civilizations, as well as the main themes of the speech he plans to deliver at the event. Daniel's research area includes comparative political theory, Confucianism, and Legalism. From 2017 to 2022, Daniel served as Dean of the School of Political Science and Public Administration at Shandong University -- the first foreigner in the Chinese mainland's history to hold such a position. His book, The Dean of Shandong, published in 2023, chronicles his experiences as what he calls a "minor bureaucrat." Daniel has also taught at Beijing’s Tsinghua University for 13 years. In 2018, Daniel was awarded the Huilin Prize and honored as a "Cultural Leader" by the World Economic Forum. In 2021, he was selected as the People’s Friendship Envoy of Shandong Province. Highlights: 03:56 – Confucian traits of Shandong and Daniel’s teaching experience there 13:44 – How Confucian values shape politics and society in today’s China 16:00 – Comparing family values in China and the West 20:03 – Moral standards in China’s selection and evaluation of officials 25:52 – Xunzi and the creative dialogue between Confucianism and Islam 31:53 – How Confucianism contributed to modernization in East Asia 35:06 – Civilizational dialogues at the Nishan Forum 37:46 – Ritualized ice hockey in Daniel’s hometown — and its Confucian echoes 41:14 – How Daniel’s next book brings ancient Chinese thinkers into dialogue on today’s biggest questions Recommendation: Daniel: The ritualized ice hockey games in Canada JJ: Why Ancient Chinese Political Thought Matters: Four Dialogues on China’s Past, Present, and Future, by Daniel A. Bell You can also listen to Inside the China Room with Jiang Jiang on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. This episode is edited by Yifei Shi. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.gingerriver.com

This week on Inside the China Room, Jiang Jiang (JJ) is joined by Bert Hofman, professor at the Lee Kuan Yew School at the National University of Singapore and the former World Bank's Chief Economist of East Asia and the Pacific Region, and Country Director for China. The United States and China agreed on May 12 to drastically roll back tariffs on each other’s goods for an initial 90-day period, in a significant breakthrough that has de-escalated a punishing trade war and buoyed global markets. In this episode, I invite Bert to share his views on China-U.S. trade relations, the impact of the tariff rollbacks, and what it all means for the future of global supply chain and multilateral institutions. Bert is also the former director of the East Asian Institute of the National University Singapore (NUS). He is a Senior Fellow at MERICS in Germany, nonresident senior fellow at the Asia Society Policy Institute, and Member of the World Association for China Studies. Before joining NUS, he worked with the World Bank for 27 years, 22 of which in Asia, and 12 of which on China. Bert's current interests include China’s future growth trajectory, technology, aging, and geopolitics and China-U.S. relations. He also runs a Substack newsletter called Bert's newsletter. Highlights: 03:21 - What surprised — and didn’t — in the China-U.S. trade deal 06:13 - Tariff "pause" and transit trade 12:53 - How the trade war reshapes global supply chain strategy 17:14 - Trade talks and how countries strategize 19:51 - The uncertain path ahead for China-U.S. trade relations 27:33 - National security is becoming a growing global priority 29:40 - The future of multilateral institutions amid U.S. retreat 39:17 - Recommendation Recommendation: Zbig: The Life and Times of Brzezinski, America's Great Power Prophet, by Edward Luce You can also listen to Inside the China Room with Jiang Jiang on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.gingerriver.com

This week on Inside the China Room, Jiang Jiang (JJ) is joined by Robert Wu, CEO of BigOne Lab, a leading alternative data and research firm in China. Robert is also the creator of two acclaimed China-focused newsletters, Baiguan and China Translated. Long-time listeners might remember Robert as the guest on our very first episode. During this holiday season, I couldn't think of a better time to invite Robert back to the show. In this episode, we'll get his outlook on 2025 from the perspective of a CEO in China and a leading figure in the data industry. While we won't be able to cover everything, I hope what we discussed will resonate with you. In this conversation, we dive into the market outlook for 2025, emerging trends in China's consumer market, the "all-in" mindset of CEOs, China's first centrally administered state-owned enterprise dedicated to data technology, the evolution of data as a strategic asset, the influence of China-U.S. relations on business strategies, and even a discussion about the TV series 我的阿勒泰 To the Wonder. Highlights: 01:45 - Renewed interest in Chinese equities amid global market uncertainties 07:59 - How interest-based and value-based consumption will shape China's consumer market in 2025 12:16 - Lululemon's growth in China driven by shifting consumer priorities toward premium sportswear 15:57 - How "Founder Mode" shapes the way Chinese entrepreneurs lead their businesses 20:17 - China's new state-owned data enterprise to break down "data silos" and boost efficiency 27:20 - How China-U.S. relations in 2025 will influence business strategies 33:15 - Recommendation Recommendation: TV Series: 我的阿勒泰 To the Wonder, released this May on Chinese video platform iQIYI.COM You can also listen to Inside the China Room with Jiang Jiang on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.gingerriver.com

This week on Inside the China Room, Jiang Jiang (JJ) welcomes Annie Song, a young Chinese film producer and art director of 林象文化 Jungle Vision, a Beijing-based start-up dedicated to curating independent film festivals in China. In this episode, we explore how young independent Chinese filmmakers are seizing opportunities at film festivals and contributing to the rise of new genres in China, with a particular focus on the increasing popularity of socially themed films. We also delve into the evolving dynamics between the Chinese and American film industries, as well as the successes and challenges Chinese films face in reaching international audiences. Additionally, we discuss how innovative promotional strategies, such as short video platforms, are revolutionizing the way films connect with viewers. Annie Song holds a BA in Film Studies from the University of California, Berkeley, and brings over eight years of experience to the film industry. She was recently honored with the Most Promising Filmmaker award at the 29th Busan International Film Festival, cementing her reputation as a rising star in the field. Highlights: 06:22 - The unique traits of China’s emerging filmmakers 08:10 - Film festivals as a launchpad for young Chinese filmmakers 11:40 - Challenges shared by the Chinese and U.S. film industries 19:20 - Increasing popularity of socially themed films in China 24:04 - The re-release trend of classic films 26:22 - Chinese films going global 34:11 - Short video platforms transforming film promotion 39:00 - Annie’s plan and her insights on low-budget films 42:36 - Recommendation Recommendation: Movies: 好东西 Her Story by director 邵艺辉 Shao Yihui, set to release on November 22, 2024 You can also listen to Inside the China Room with Jiang Jiang on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Other Chinese films Annie Song and Jiang Jiang discussed in this episode: 宇宙探索编辑部 Journey to the West (2023) 流浪地球 The Wandering Earth (2020) 逆行人生 Upstream (2024) 我不是药神 Dying to Survive (2018) 爱情神话 B for Busy (2021) 英雄 Hero (2002） 卧虎藏龙 Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) 影 Shadow (2019) 满江红 River Red (2023) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.gingerriver.com

This week on Inside the China Room, Jiang Jiang (JJ) welcomes Prof. Tang Xiaoyang 唐晓阳, a distinguished scholar from Tsinghua University who specializes in China-Africa relations, China's engagement in the developing countries, and global modernization. In today's episode, we explore the current dynamics of China-Africa cooperation, with a special emphasis on the upcoming Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit in Beijing. We discuss changes in the trade product structures between China and Africa, the prospects for Chinese electric vehicles in Africa, the "debt trap" narrative, and how the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) synergizes with FOCAC. Additionally, we examine the geopolitical factors that are influencing the future of China-Africa relations. Prof. Tang currently serves as the chair in the Department of International Relations at Tsinghua University and has a distinguished background that includes significant research on African agricultural development and China's role in shaping economic strategies across the continent. His academic journey is complemented by his practical experience, including consultancy roles with international organizations such as the World Bank and the United Nations. His deep understanding of both the theoretical and practical aspects of China-Africa cooperation has made him a sought-after voice in discussions on global development strategies. Highlights: 07:12 - What to expect on the upcoming FOCAC Summit? 08:50 - Changes in China-Africa trade structure and the impact of global economic shifts 10:36 - Chinese electric vehicles in Africa 19:40 - New trend of investing in Africa and its business environment 28:00 - Geopolitical influence on the direction of China-Africa relations 40:15 - The "debt trap" narrative 42:20 - Prospects for future China-Africa cooperation 47:30 - Recommendation You can also listen to Inside the China Room with Jiang Jiang on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Recommendations: Books - Professor Tang Xiaoyang's recent book: Coevolutionary Pragmatism: Approaches and Impacts of China-Africa Economic Cooperation (available on Amazon) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.gingerriver.com

This week on Inside the China Room, Jiang Jiang (JJ) welcomes Bob Chen, an investor working for Mangrove Capital 沣源资本, a China-based venture capital fund specializing in software and globalization-themed investments. In this episode, Bob discusses the central authorities' recent resolution on further deepening reforms comprehensively. He explores the challenges in China's development and the promising prospects of the new economic reform blueprint. As a former macro-economist, Bob identifies two favorable trends in the Chinese market -- reduced cost of mobility and an "anti-involution" mindset. He also shares observations on Chinese businesses expanding globally -- the primary focus of his investments, and offers insights into the growing trend of paying for knowledge online among Chinese people. Bob also runs a popular WeChat blog, "嬉笑创客," and a subscription-based online community on "Knowledge Planet 知识星球," where he shares his insights on macro-economics, venture capital and China's domestic markets. His thoughts have been widely recognized, including a translation of his piece on the U.S.-China decoupling impact in a Baiguan newsletter, and he was a featured guest on Baiguan's podcast discussing Chinese companies' global market strategies. Highlights: 05:30 - Three major themes of the resolution in Bob Chen’s view 08:45 - What priorities does the resolution outline for China's development in the next phase? 12:43 - Fiscal challenges of the local governments 14:23 - How will China's tax reform improve its distribution system? 20:25 - China's spending on R&D and the benefits of electric vehicle development 25:11 - "Anti-involution" mindset gains steam in the Chinese market 27:52 - Chinese businesses going global 36:34 - People's willingness to pay for knowledge in China -- "Knowledge Planet" as an example 41:08 - Recommended travel destinations in China other than Beijing and Shanghai You can also listen to Inside the China Room with Jiang Jiang on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.gingerriver.com

This week on Inside the China Room, Jiang Jiang (JJ) welcomes Yaling Jiang, the founder of Following the Yuan, a newsletter covering China's consumer market, and Aperture China, a research and strategy consultancy. The show kicks off with a review of the changes in China's 2023 consumer market and explores future trends, the key drivers behind these shift and the potential impacts on international brands doing business in China. While discussing the role of social media in shaping consumption behaviors, the show examines the shifts in how Chinese people process information before, during, and after the pandemic, shedding light on how international brands can adjust their marketing strategies. As many large consumer brands and luxury brands strategically enter lower-tier markets, Yaling and JJ also discusses the new opportunities in these markets. This episode was recorded on Feb. 5. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.gingerriver.com

This week on Inside the China Room, Jiang Jiang (JJ) welcomes Prof. Wu Yongping 巫永平, the dean of the Institute of Taiwan at Tsinghua University and a renowned expert on Taiwan affairs and cross-Strait relations. In this episode, Prof. Wu shares his views on the outcomes of Taiwan's elections in January and his understanding of mainstream public opinion, voter divisions on cross-Strait issues, and concerns regarding trust in political figures in Taiwan. He analyzes the performance of the Kuomintang (KMT) in recent elections and the challenges it faces in the coming four years. Additionally, he talks about the influence of the Taiwan People's Party (TPP) and the implications of U.S. government policies on Taiwan. He also elaborates the relationship between the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and the peaceful reunification with Taiwan. This episode was recorded on Feb. 2. Highlights: 04:25 - Mainstream public opinion in Taiwan and voters high division on cross-Strait issues 10:03 - Prof. Wu's outlook on cross-Strait relations 14:23 - KMT's dual challenge: modernizing its image while maintaining cross-Strait relations 18:12 - Taiwan People's Party’s influence and future 23:12 - U.S. government's policy on the Taiwan issue 29:18 - China's commitment to integrated development and peaceful reunification 33:50 - Misconceptions about the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and military preparation 38:00 - Cautioning against self-fulfilling prophecies: analyzing the perils of Sino-U.S. tensions 45:50 - Differences and similarities in challenges faced by Taiwan and the Chinese mainland You can also listen to Ginger River Radio on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.gingerriver.com

This week on Inside the China Room, Jiang Jiang (JJ) welcomes Prof. Yao Yang 姚洋 , one of China's leading economists and the dean of Peking University's National School of Development. In this episode, Professor Yao shares his views on the "Peak China” theory, his expectations for China's GDP growth rate in 2024 and his takeaways from the recent Central Economic Work Conference and the study session on boosting the high-quality development of the financial sector. He goes into details about challenges amid the adjustment period of China's economy and offers insights into policies aimed at addressing issues such as local government debts, the real estate market and low consumer confidence. Recommendations: Books - Professor Yao Yang's recent book: China and the West: A Pragmatic Confucian’s View (available on Amazon) The book reflects Yao Yang’s thought on China’s path of modernization and the effort to rebuild a political philosophy based on Confucianism, his interpretation of China’s political system and his prescriptions to improve it. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.gingerriver.com

This week on Ginger River Radio, Jiang Jiang (JJ) welcomes 王义桅 Wang Yiwei, who is Jean Monnet Chair professor, Director of the Institute of International Affairs, and Director of the Center for EU Studies at Renmin University of China. With his academic interests spanning diverse realms, including Belt & Road studies, European integration, public diplomacy, Chinese foreign policy, and EU-China relations, Professor Wang is a trailblazer in his field. Notably, he has been a pioneer in advancing global commons theory, critiquing Western international relations theory. As one of China's earliest scholars in the domain of public diplomacy, he has consistently fostered academic connections between China and Europe. In this episode, Professor Wang provides insights into various aspects of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), including its origin and three stages of development, and discusses whether the BRI represents a new form of colonialism or a debt trap. He also explores Italy's stance on the BRI, China's competitive advantages, its cooperative approach with non-participating nations, and the BRI's role in reshaping globalization. Finally, he shares expectations for the BRI's future and its potential benefits for China. Summary: The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has undergone three stages of development, initially focusing on hard infrastructure and subsequently advancing to soft infrastructure projects. The third stage will venture into more innovative projects such as digitalization and cultural exchange. The BRI is not a new colonialism or debt trap but a strategy to address colonialism's legacy, with its vision endorsed by UN. Italy's withdrawal from the BRI is influenced both by COVID-19 disruptions and pressure from the G7 nations to maintain global alliances. China's advantage in advancing the BRI projects lies in its complete industry categories, ensuring efficiency, cost-effectiveness, long-term stability, inclusiveness, and adaptability to local conditions. The BRI's cooperative approach extends beyond its participants, with non-BRI countries like Brazil engaging in various projects. This initiative represents a new form of inclusive globalization, emphasizing people-centric and development-oriented approaches. Expectations for the next ten years of the BRI involve forming multilateral alliances and headquarters, increasing influence, and expanding its scope. The BRI has facilitated convenience for the Chinese people and supported the growth of the Chinese economy while promoting global diplomatic outreach. You can also listen to Ginger River Radio on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Highlights: 05:56 - The origin of BRI 08:09 - Three stages of BRI 12:17 - Is BRI a new colonialism or debt trap? 15:15 - Why doesn't Italy want to continue with the BRI? 19:10 - Chinese competitive advantages 22:04 - China's cooperative approach with non-participants of BRI 25:18 - BRI as a new form of globalization 26:13 - Expectations for the BRI's next ten years 28:31 - How China can benefit from BRI Recommendations: Books - Professor Wang Yiwei's recent books include A Global Community of Shared Future: Understanding the New Vision for Globalization, An Interconnected World: China and the Belt and Road Initiative, China Connects the World: What’s Behind the Belt & Road Initiative, The Belt & Road Initiative: What China Will Offer the World in Its Rise, Haishang: Revelations of European Civilisation and China NATO Research Series (Chinese Edition). This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.gingerriver.com

This week on Ginger River Radio, Jiang Jiang (JJ) welcomes 刘宏 Mike Liu, who is Vice President, Senior Fellow – Center for China and Globalization (CCG), a leading non-governmental think tank in Beijing, and has an accomplished executive with 30+ years of professional experience in digital transformation, operational excellence, cross culture leadership development and market growth strategies with leading technology multinationals. In this episode, Mike shares his perspectives on the primary misunderstandings between China and India, the commonalities they share, and the potential areas for strengthening their cooperation. Mike also delves into the prospects for India's economic growth in the future, and the role that its population plays therein. In addition, Mike and JJ discuss the potential future trends of the relationship between India and the United States, as well as the admirable traits and spirit that Indian entrepreneurs exemplify. Mike is the former Managing Director and legal Rep for DXC Technology in Greater China region, and before that Mike was the global Vice President, Country Head and legal Rep for Infosys, an Indian Multinational corporation, in Greater China region. Mike’s experience spans across Greater China, US, Singapore, and India where Mike has demonstrated his unique capacity to accomplish the growth agenda for the organizations he has served. Summary: Speaking from his work experience from an Indian multinational company, Mike Liu says there are more things alike than people might expect between China and India, such as strong educational values and hard work ethics. He also regrets the misconceptions that Chinese may hold of India as underdeveloped and Indians of China as stagnant. With India strategically raising its global profile by hosting events like the G20 summit, there is no better time like now for more bilateral exchanges and mutual understanding. India is changing, but don't expect this to be at the "Chinese speed", Liu says. Chinese enterprises need to be extra cautious of government policies when they explore the Indian market, and make special efforts to liaison with Indian authorities. The process may be tough, but Liu assures his audience that India has enough potential to be worth the hardships, with its growing and ever vibrant young generation. Highlights: 7:07 - Misconceptions from China and India for each other 12:01 - Rich potential for the Indian economy 14:53 - India's rising diplomatic profile - and how it will shape the China-India relations 19:40 - Will India replace, contain, or collaborate with China? And vice versa 30:03 - U.S. as the third player in China-India relations 33:50 - The secret to the success of Indian managers, from a cultural perspective 42:58 - India's business environment reflected in the Xiaomi incident 49:27 - Three considerations for foreign enterprises in India 53:29 - Recommendations Recommendations: Book - Jugaad Innovation by Navi Radjou Movie - Dangal, starring Aamir Khan This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.gingerriver.com

This week on Ginger River Radio, Jiang Jiang welcomes Stephen D. Mull, who is Vice Provost for Global Affairs at the University of Virginia (UVA) and has served in a broad range of U.S. national security positions, most recently as Acting Under Secretary for Political Affairs at the U.S. Department of State. Mull introduces the members and business objectives of the delegation of the UVA to Shanghai and shares his insights into the importance of people-to-people exchanges between the U.S. and China in the post-pandemic era, the academic realm’s even larger obligation of communication during challenging U.S.-China relations, and UVA’s very own pingpong diplomacy. Highlights: 04:39 - The members and business objectives of the delegation of the UVA to Shanghai 08:41 - The UVA is eager to welcome back Chinese students and undertake people-to-people exchanges 13:58 - The UVA's very own pingpong diplomacy 17:54 - The importance of U.S.-China academic cooperation in climate change and global health. Recommendations: Latest album by Bruce Springsteen, Letter to You Movies by Chloé Zhao, Nomadland and The Rider A complete transcript of this podcast is available here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.gingerriver.com

This week on Ginger River Radio, Jiang Jiang welcomes Dr. Henry Huiyao Wang, who is the Founder and President of the Center for China and Globalization (CCG), a leading non-governmental think tank in Beijing. Wang shares his insights into China's post-pandemic diplomacy and Chinese think tanks' Track Ⅱ diplomacy, including China's potential role in helping medicate the Russia-Ukraine conflict, CCG's efforts to bridge the "cognitive gap" between China and the West after COVID, the Taiwan issue, the comeback of communications between China and the EU, data security hype and the stance of China, China's think tanks boom and much more. Highlights: 05:27 - "Cognitive gap" as a result of COVID and CCG's efforts to bridge it 16:31 - How CCG may have contributed to the reverse of zero-COVID 22:06 - CCG's engagement in Russia-Ukraine conflict and proposal of a Seven-Party Talk 30:12 - CCG advocating for the G3 concept and the comeback of communications between China and the EU 37:54 - Bridging China and the U.S. with non-binary political thinking 46:25 - Data security hype and the stance of China 52:38 - Difference between Chinese and Western think tanks 57:44 - CCG's cooperation with famous Chinese entrepreneurs 1:03:21 - A typical day for Wang Huiyao 1:06:59 - CCG in partnership with Semafor on the “China and Global Business” initiative Recommendations: Dr. Henry Huiyao Wang: CCG Global Dialogues, and Soft Power and Great-Power Competition Jiang Jiang: The East is Read, a CCG newsletter offering frequent briefings on China drawing mostly from Chinese mainland sources. A complete transcript of this podcast is available here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.gingerriver.com

This week on Ginger River Radio, Ivy Yang, who writes an op-ed column called “Discourse Power” or 话语权时代 for FT China and has written for The China Project, shares her insights into the recent restructuring of Alibaba and TikTok's dilemma in the US. Ivy has worked in strategic communications and in corporate comms for more than a decade, including two years at Alibaba Group. She follows topics from TikTok to cross border e-commerce to the effects of the CHIPS Act and much more. Highlights: On TikTok 4:56 - How the TikTok hearing has been received in the U.S. and China 10:03 - Factors on the way out of the TikTok dilemma 12:57 - The possible outcome of TikTok situation 17:28 - The generation gap among TikTok users 21:27 - The impact of TikTok hearing and the question about TikTok's identity On Alibaba 24:36 - How the Alibaba breakup has been received in the U.S. and China 27:40 - Winners and losers of the breakup 30:46 - Combat the "Big Company Syndrome" 33:51 - Alibaba's mid-platform strategy 35:41 - History of Alibaba and other Chinese tech companies' expansion in the US 39:40 - Ivy's recommendations for Chinese companies expanding overseas 45:29 - Blog recommendation: The Marginalian by Maria Popova Recommendations: Ivy Yang: The Marginalian (formerly Brain Pickings) Jiang Jiang: An op-ed by Ivy on Temu, Chinese e -commerce juggernaut Pinduoduo's overseas e-commerce platform, which can be found on Zichen Wang's Substack newsletter Pekingnology, now part of the portfolio of Center for China and Globalization (CCG). Inside TikTok, Zhang Yiming's great voyage through the waves by Ms. 张珺 Zhang Jun A complete transcript of this podcast is available here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.gingerriver.com